Police: Salisbury man charged after repeatedly stabbing dog

Salisbury, NC - A man has been arrested after being accused of stabbing a dog multiple times.

On Thursday around 11:50 p.m. Rowan County Sheriff's Office was called out to Highland Park Drive in Salisbury, NC in regards to animal cruelty.

Deputy Eller met with a witness who told him she witnessed a man named Phillip attack a small dog.

The witness told the deputy that she watched the suspect hold the dog down with his knees, while stabbing it in the stomach and neck, according to authorities.

Other neighbors came outside once they heard the dog yelping.

Deputy Eller observed a large blood spot in the roadway where the attack was reported to have taken place.

The dog was found inside the home of the witness and had several puncture wounds to it's stomach and several stab wounds in the neck area. The witness told police the suspect used a fixed blade knife, about 8' long, according to Deputy Eller.

Deputies reported they went to the home of the suspect, Phillip Shoemaker, who was still wearing the blue jeans that he had on during the attack on the dog, as the pants were covered in blood, at the knees.

Deputies took pictures of the scene and were able to locate the knife that was used during the attack.

Shoemaker was arrested at the scene and charged with felony cruelty to animals. He was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $5,000 bond.

Shoemaker's first court appearance is scheduled for Monday, December 14.